Here is an interesting an honest post on ThaiVisa.com by spidermike007 discussing alternatives to Thailand for expats:

"That is exactly the topic that needs to be discussed. I cannot think of a viable alternative, within the restraints of my budget. I have considered spending at least a portion of the year in Spain. No other place in SE Asia is anything I find appealing . . . Read more at http://bit.ly/2Kl70Tw